What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-06-30 involved a Rolladen Schneider LS-4,, registration I-, at Vazia Coccodrillo (Rieti), IT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an asymmetric stall leading to a loss of control, exacerbated by the pilot's limited experience with gliders and the specific aircraft model, occurring at an altitude too low to allow for recovery.

Glider loss of control leads to fatal impact near Rieti

A Rolladen Schneider LS-4 glider crashed into an uninhabited building in Vazia, resulting in the death of the pilot during a training flight.

What happened

On June 30, 2006, at approximately 12:45 UTC, a Rolladen Schneider LS-4 glider, registration I-IVFC, crashed into an uninhabited building in the village of Vazia, near Coccodrillo, Italy. The aircraft was participating in a flight training program organized by the Aero Club Centrale di Volo a Vela di Rieti.

The day's operations began with an initial tow attempt using a Cessna 305C. During this first flight, the pilot struggled to maintain the correct position relative to the tow plane, leading to an early release at an altitude of approximately 700 meters. A second takeoff was performed using a Robin DR 400/180R, which proceeded normally until the glider released from the tow at 1,000 meters.

Following the release, the pilot ceased radio communications with the ground instructor. Approximately 20 minutes later, a search was initiated by other aircraft in the area. Witnesses observed the glider entering a spiral descent before impacting the building with high kinetic energy. The impact caused the one fatality and resulted in the total destruction of the glider and significant damage to the structure.

The investigation

The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's structural integrity, maintenance records, and the pilot's flight experience. The investigation confirmed that the I-IVFC was well-maintained, with all control surfaces—including the ailerons, elevator, and rudder—found to be functional and intact prior to the impact. The damage observed at the wreckage site was consistent with a high-speed, nose-down impact, specifically impacting more heavily on the right side.

Regarding the pilot, while the individual held valid licenses and was highly experienced in single-engine piston (SEP) aircraft, their total glider flight time was relatively low at 28 hours. Crucially, the investigation noted that the pilot was performing some of their very first flights in this specific Rolladen Schneider LS-4 model.

Findings

The primary cause of the accident was a loss of control due to an asymmetric stall.
The stall likely occurred during a maneuver intended to locate rising thermal air currents.
The low altitude at the time of the stall left the pilot with insufficient time to recover the aircraft.
The pilot's limited overall experience in glider operations and lack of familiarity with the specific aircraft type were significant contributing factors.